Leeds United’s players have shown their support for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), by wearing mismatched socks.

Putting on their mismatched socks during training today, the squad have helped to raise awareness around what has now become an international tradition under the #LotsOfSocks hashtag, showing support for Down Syndrome Awareness Week, which takes place from 20th-26th March for 2023.

The reason that this week is selected for the awareness campaign is significant. March is the third month of the year and people who have Down’s Syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making three in total. Hence World Down Syndrome Day taking place on the 21st day of the third month, 21/3. This is unique to people who have Down’s Syndrome.

The Down’s Syndrome Association are aiming for all people with the condition to have full participation in decision making on all matters affecting their lives.

Each year, there is a new theme during WDSD. This year, the theme is ‘With Us Not For Us’, with a key message around a human-rights based approach to disability - meaning that properly includes being treated fairly and having the same opportunities as everyone else. 

For more information around Down Syndrome Awareness Week, please click here.